Hello, I’ve been reading about rheumatoid arthritis recently and the current guidelines suggest intrarticular glucocrticoid injections for management of acute exacerbations in certain circumstances. Does BBM have a stance on steroid injections for RA? I know that you all do not advocate them for use in OA, but I was curious about your rational why or why not in the setting of RA since the mechanisms in the two conditions are so different. Thanks!
I can’t say that I’ve done extensive literature review on this topic, but for patients with clear evidence of synovitis/inflamed joints (large, swollen, red, hot/tender) that are limiting function, then arthrocentesis and steroid injections seem reasonable as part of a broader treatment regimen aimed at achieving disease control. This approach may allow for the treatment of localized/joint-limited disease flares while sparing the person from systemic medications and their associated side effects.
Idk. I didn’t even hear about indications of intraarticular injections in rheumatoid arthritis.
My mother was diagnosed with RA 10 years ago, and she takes methotrexate - the first-line drug used in this nosology. It’s controlling her symptoms pretty well. Her sister knew someone with joint issues and suggested she buy some special needles from Medbasic and start periodically performing steroid injections. I told my mother she better listen to her doctor’s advice and avoid listening to everyone’s suggestions. I think ordinary people like us do not have enough knowledge and experience to share our points of view on this subject. Peace to everyone.